So much of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Process™ is contingent on Joel Embiid‘s ability to recovery from the various foot injuries he has suffered over the last few years. He is a mix of Jahlil Okafor’s ability to score down low with Nerlens Noel’s defensive game and a jump shot that neither of Philly’s big men have right now. If all goes right, Embiid can end up being the most uniquely skilled center in the NBA…assuming he’s able to stay healthy.
Prior to the Draft in 2015, Embiid broke a bone in his foot. The Sixers took him anyway, and the last two-ish years have been a never ending cycle of wondering if Embiid is ever going to be a difference maker or not. It’s been a weird saga that involves a few foot surgeries and reports about Embiid’s love of Shirley Temples derailing his progress, but for the most part, everyone has been waiting to see what Embiid can do on the court.
Part of the reason why that’s been the case is because of videos like this. This nine minute and 23 second glimpse into an Embiid workout before a Sixers game shows the big man working on polishing his offensive game. He’s hitting jumpers from all over the court – including from behind the three-point line – and showing off a few low post moves. We’ve heard in the past that Embiid ruins his teammates in practice, and if he’s able to do stuff like this when he’s running with the rest of the Sixers, we totally understand why.
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Please, basketball Gods, let Joel Embiid get healthy. His game is so fun and so versatile that it would be such a shame if we never get the chance to see him play.
